How do we manage flooding in the area?

A major public consultation has been launched on plans to manage future flooding across the Upper Severn, an area that includes communities around Welshpool, Newtown and Llanidloes, which have seen repeated high-water events in recent years.

The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) has published the findings from its emerging strategy, setting out early proposals on how up to 100 million cubic metres of water may need to be temporarily stored during severe weather. The figure, equivalent to around 40,000 Olympic swimming pools, reflects growing evidence about changing rainfall patterns and the increasing severity of storms affecting the region.

Communities along the Severn and its tributaries have become familiar with flooding and flood alerts during prolonged periods of rain, with routes such as the A489 and A470 regularly disrupted and farmland around Caersws, Trefeglwys and Aberbechan frequently affected. The consultation marks the most detailed attempt yet to set out how large-scale natural and engineered measures could reduce these risks in future.

David McKnight, sponsor of the SVWMS, said the strategy must reflect how central the river network is to everyday life in Mid Wales.

“We know that rivers in the area are central to local life, supporting homes, farms, businesses, and wildlife. However, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, and the risk to communities is increasing,” he said.

“We know that floods and droughts represent lost homes, livelihoods, and huge concern for families and businesses. We understand that engineered interventions such as temporary flood storage areas or embankments can be a source of concern, particularly for those living or working nearby, or those whose land may be directly affected.”

The consultation opens on 17 December 2025 and runs until 11 March 2026. Residents, farmers, and business owners across the catchment are being encouraged to have their say.

Powys County Council is one of the partners supporting the work. Its leader, Councillor Jake Berriman, described the strategy as a chance to address one of the region’s most pressing challenges.

“Flooding is one of our region’s most urgent challenges, and this is a real opportunity to make a difference at scale,” he said. “By combining natural and engineered solutions, we can reduce flood risk, restore habitats, and improve water quality, creating safer, more resilient places for people and nature. Community involvement is absolutely vital.”

He added that residents’ experiences of flooding – particularly in areas where the Severn and its tributaries regularly overtop – would be essential in shaping the final plan.

Consultation events will be held across the catchment, with materials also available online and in local libraries and leisure centres. Feedback from this stage will inform a draft strategy due for further consultation in 2026.

The SVWMS is a partnership led by the Environment Agency, working with Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council and Shropshire Council, and funded by Defra. More information and consultation materials are available at www.severnvalleywatermanagementscheme.commonplace.is, and enquiries can be sent to SVWMS@environment-agency.gov.uk.